The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 253: Let’s go

"That I was gay?" Gerald interjected, his laughter filling the air. "Don’t worry, I often get that reaction. It’s quite common."

With hesitance, she continued. "Then I suppose you won’t be offended if I confess that I hoped dancing with you would make Matteo see that I’ve moved on. I wanted to show him that I can have fun without him."

"Oh, my dear Stella," Gerald’s soothing voice enveloped her, drawing her closer into his comforting embrace. She allowed herself to sink into the safety of his arms, mustering all her strength to hold back the tears threatening to spill over.

"I understand exactly where you’re coming from. And let me tell you this, usually, if a man is not interested in a woman, he wouldn’t care about what she does."

Her chest tightened at his words as a painful realization took hold.

"But in Matteo’s case," he continued, "he’s hopelessly captivated by you."

Stella pushed gently against him, creating a small space between them so she could look into his eyes once more. The revelations he had shared this night seemed almost too surreal, but this one pushed the boundaries of belief.

"Surely, you must be joking. I know you’re trying to make me feel better, but that’s a bit too much," she remarked, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. Gerald laughed, undeterred by her scepticism.

"If you think I’m lying, then see for yourself," he said, placing both hands on her shoulders and turning her around. Before her, just a few meters away, sat Matteo on a plush sofa. His gaze roved across the crowd until it locked onto hers, causing her heart to skip a beat. She quickly turned back to face Gerald.

"I thought he had left," She whispered, her hand instinctively covering her mouth in disbelief.

"Well, he’s right there. And he’s been there for quite some time," Gerald confirmed, his tone filled with reassurance.

"How did I never see him?" Panic laced her words, her eyes darting around frantically.

"That might be because you’re finally enjoying yourself," he replied, taking her hand in his once again and leading her back onto the dance floor. "We’ll stay close to him, but here’s what I want you to do. Keep a watchful eye on him from your side vision as we dance."

Stella slipped her hand into his, fully aware of the purpose behind their movements. This time, there was a definite goal in mind, and an anticipation that caused her nerves to be at alert.

Stella followed Gerald’s instructions, her gaze fixed on him while her peripheral vision remained alert. The delicate balance between maintaining her composure and observing Matteo’s reactions required her utmost concentration.

And her efforts were not in vain. Just as Gerald had predicted, Matteo remained captivated, his attention unwavering as he watched them on the dance floor. A surge of happiness welled up within her, spreading from the depths of her stomach to every inch of her being. The realization that she had an effect on the man she desired was a blissful revelation, igniting a radiant smile upon her face.

"I suppose you see it now," Gerald remarked, his grin reflecting his satisfaction.

Stella refocused her attention on Gerald, nodding gleefully in response. Giggles escaped her lips, growing into full-fledged laughter as she rested her arm on his neck, allowing him to guide her through exhilarating steps of pure joy.

They were both getting lost in the euphoria of the moment when, abruptly, Gerald halted, causing Stella to almost lose her balance.

"Why did you –" Her voice trailed off as she noticed the presence beside them. A gasp escaped her lips, and her gaze fixed on the interloper, her heart racing as she realized it was Matteo who had interrupted their intimate moment.

"Ha, Mr. Quinn, we didn’t notice you there," Gerald remarked in a deliberately haughty tone, further heightening the palpable tension in the air. Stella wanted to interject, to urge Gerald to seize his provocation. Yet, an undeniable curiosity welled up within her. She yearned to witness the extent of Matteo’s emotions – was it anger, jealousy, or perhaps something else entirely? She needed to be certain of the emotions brewing within him, whatever they may be.

"I take it you’re having quite the enjoyable time," Matteo stated plainly, his words intended as some form of compliment, though his tone betrayed his displeasure.

Stella parted her lips to respond, acutely aware of Matteo’s intent gaze fixed upon her. However, before she could utter a single word, Gerald swiftly inserted himself into Matteo’s line of sight, stepping closer to Stella and effectively blocking him from view. He removed Matteo’s hand from its fixed spot, tucked in his pocket, and enclosed it in a cocoon with his.

"Oh, yes, Mr. Quinn, How gracious of you to grace us with your presence and check in on –"

Matteo abruptly cut off his attempt to divert his attention, "I must insist that I was conversing with Ms. Rossi here, not you, Mr. Gerald. Now, before my patience wears thin and something unpleasant occurs, I kindly request a moment alone with her."

Stella could swear she saw a muscle twitch beside his face, but she waved it off, worrying instead about the safety of Gerald. From what she knew about him so far, Matteo had a tendency of carrying out any threat he might think of giving out. And without knowing it, Gerald was simply being nice to a stranger who needed company. If he ever came to harm on her behalf, she would not know how to live with herself.

Gently, she placed her hand on his shoulder, rousing his attention from Matteo whose eyes were almost sprouting flames. Completely ignoring his presence, she walked into Gerald’s line of sight, before Matteo, and pecked his cheek.

"Thank you so much. Please, let me take it from here." She whispered in his ear and stood back on her heels. Gerald pulled her toward him and spoke, "If he gets violent, let me know and we will press charges." Stella felt like giggling because she knew that it would be very unlikely for him to raise a hand on her.

"Of course." She replied.

Gerald shot a haughty grin in his direction and extended his hand once again, "We will meet again to discuss, Mr. Quinn. Do have a lovely night."

Without giving a reply, Matteo seized Stella’s wrist and made his way out of the hall, heading straight for a limousine that was already waiting at the end of the red carpet.

"Where are we going? The party has not ended." Stella chided, trying to gain some semblance of control. But Matteo was not having it. As a matter of fact, he was equivalent to an enraged hound who had been robbed of his night meal – her.

"Mr. Quinn," She called out again, but her cries fell on deaf ears. She was infuriated.

Finally having enough of his dramatic displays, she yanked her hand from his grip and stepped back a few times, creating as much space as needed between them. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, his expression rich with displeasure and a hint of rage.

"What are you doing?" In spite of the obvious seep of his control, his voice sounded unusually calm. He held out his hand once again, and spoke in a much calmer tone.

"Let’s go, Stella."

"I asked you a question, Matteo. Where are we going?"

"We’re going back to the hotel." He added, "Now, come."

A/N: Sorry guys I thought I had set a timer but I guess it didn’t work. I’m posting the due Chapters then we go back to the once a day schedule